VintageBrighton.com's very 1st Birthday

First off:

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO VINTAGE BRIGHTON!!

The beautiful Jo-Ann Fortune, who has been running VintageBrighton's website and spreading her love of all things vintage, organised a Birthday party/Networking event for us fellow lovers of vintage. Held at the Iron Duke in Hove, I knew by reading down the list of names on the invites that it would be a winner, and that I had to be there. 

For those of you who have not come across VintageBrighton's website before, here is what Jo-Ann has to say about it:

'Celebrating the South Coast’s thriving vintage scene, VintageBrighton.com is an essential resource for all vintage-lovers in Brighton and beyond.

As well as a vintage shop directory and vintage events listings, to help you plan shopping trips and fun times, blog posts and features also provide inspiration, information and intrigue on the styles of the past.

Established and managed by Brighton-based journalist, editor and vintage-lover Jo-ann Fortune, VintageBrighton.com is fed by a small team of talented local writers, photographers and other creative types.''

I was glad to see a face I recognised as soon as I walked through the front door. Mat Keller, of Southern Retro fame, introduced me to stunningly beautiful Lauren Early, who, like myself, has sat for Matt before. (Currently in discussions with poor old Matt to have my shoot re done for the website! hehe)

I have to admit I was quite nervous when I turned up, knowing only Mat, and never having actually met Jo-Ann in the flesh before, but everyone I met was truly lovely. Lots of business cards were exchanged, as well as a lot of chit chatting about all things vintage. I definitely picked up quite a lot of helpful hints and tips so thank you ladies and gents!

L-R - (Mr Fortune, the lovely host of the night Jo-Ann Fortune, Lauren Early, Jessie Jumbles and Mat Keller)

To celebrate it's 1st Birthday, there was also a vintage-themed Raffle, with prizes including a £25 voucher to spend at Beyond Retro, a years subscription to Vintage Explorer magazine, and £50 worth of china for hire from locally based Roses All Over, amongst a few other prizes....and lucky me won:

The Mister was actually quite chuffed when I brought them home, he's been flicking through Look and Learn Book for Boys ever since, and I've been having a giggle at the stories in the girls annual too!

Jo-Ann's latest work has been writing features for Vintage Explorer, a new magazine aimed at those with a love of all things Vintage. Because of this, she was given a stash of copies to pass around, and I swiftly bagged my copy up ready to read on the way home. What a treat! 

I have been waiting for a quality vintage magazine (other than the Chap of course ;) ) to come out for god know's how long. Having been a little disappointed in Vintage Life magazine (I'm sorry, but I just can't afford to pay that amount for a magazine, and although it is a very pretty magazine in itself, it doesn't deliver quite what I'm after, and I am always left a feeling a little let down after the initial excitement.), Vintage Explorer does not disappoint! Filled to the brim with interesting and informative articles, featuring local auction details and insights, hints and tips, and one of the best things of all, a full directory of all major vintage events happening across the UK! No longer shall I miss out on an event and only find out about it 3 days later!

Although I was given this copy for free, I will definitely be waiting outside the local newsagent for my next copy as soon as it comes out! It is so nice to finally have a vintage magazine that doesn't just focus on 'the look' but actually goes into the history, the designers, lifestyles, and home furnishings. I think the only thing this magazine might be missing is a Classic Car section, but then that's just me ;)

And if you are now hungry for a copy of your own, and happen to be local, go ask Jo-Ann very nicely, and she MIGHT, MIGHT have a few spare copies knocking around. But if you are interested, let me know and I will try nabbing a few more copies myself to pass on to you all. You too will be addicted real soon!

Actually got my hands on a copy of Vintage Explorer and couldn't wait to get it home for a read...

As this was a Vintage Networking event, I knew others would be making quite an effort, so I managed to find this hat at the Upper Gardener Street Market yesterday for £2!!! It is an original 40s Harrod's hat, and although two of the feathers are looking a little worse for wear, I think it still has quite a bit of life left in it.

I think this is how you are meant to wear this style of hat, but to be honest with you, I'm not 100% certain, so please let me know if it's upside down, back to front, inside out etc. There doesn't seem to be any way of fastening this hat to your head, so I just used 2 bobby pins either side to hold it tight. Tips much appreciated! Should I perhaps sew some elastic into it?!

Much Love from Brighton,

This is what I came home to last night, a full pack at the Den!

L.J.

xxx